Method of monitoring and programming a plurality of transponders simultaneously, and apparatus for implementing the method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for simultaneously storing a set of read/write or respond-to-order transponders located in a container. The method transmits radiation to read/write trnsponders to energize them, receives identity data transmitted by the transponders, verifies that the identity data are not subject to dispersion, transmits a data group to the transponders, and stores the data group in memories of the transponders. If the identity data are subject to dispersion, the method interrupts radiation transmission in order to deactivate the transponders and then retransmits the radiation until the data are not subject to dispersion so that the data group can be transmitted to the transponders for storage in their memories. In the case of respond-to-order transponders, a signal is also transmitted. If the identity data are subject to dispersion, the signal is retransmitted until the data are not subject to dispersion, and then the data group is transmitted to the transponders and stored in their memories. A second data group can be stored in the transponders without disturbing the first data group stored.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for simultaneously storing a data group in memories of a plurality of read/write transponders, said transponders being located in a container, said method comprising the steps of: transmitting radiation to said transponders sufficient to power said transponders;   receiving first identity data transmitted by said transponders during a transmission window;   determining whether said first identity data are subject to dispersion;   if said first identity data are not subject to said dispersion, transmitting during a transponder reception window said data group to said transponders for simultaneously storing said data group in said memories of said transponders; and   if said first identity data are subject to said dispersion: (i) interrupting transmission of said radiation for a period of time sufficient to deactivate said transponders;   (ii) retransmitting said radiation to said transponders;   (iii) receiving second identity data transmitted by said transponders during said transmission window;   (iv) determining whether said second identity data are subject to said dispersion; and   (v) if said second identity data are not subject to said dispersion, transmitting during said transponder reception window said data group to said transponders for simultaneously storing said data group in said memories of said transponders.     
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: storing said data group in each transponder of two or more groups of pluralities of transponders, said data group being identical for each plurality;   regrouping said several pluralities of transponders into different groups of transponders;   transmitting radiation to at least one of said different groups of transponders sufficient to power said transponders;   receiving third identity data transmitted by said at least one group of transponders during a second transmission window;   verifying that said third identity data are not subject to said dispersion;   transmitting a second data group to said at least one group of transponders; and   storing said second data group in said memories of said at least one group of transponders without disturbing said data group already stored in said memories.   
     
     
       3. A method for simultaneously storing a data group in memories of a plurality of respond-to-order transponders, said transponders being located in a container, said method comprising the steps of: transmitting radiation to said transponders sufficient to power said transponders;   transmitting a signal to said transponders;   receiving first identity data transmitted in response to said signal by said transponders during a transmission window;   determining whether said first identity data are subject to dispersion;   if said first identity data are not subject to said dispersion, transmitting during a transponder reception window said data group to said transponders for simultaneously storing said data group in said memories of said transponders; and   if said first identity data are subject to said dispersion: (i) retransmitting said signal to said transponders;   (ii) receiving second identity data transmitted by said transponders in response to said retransmission of said signal during said transmission window;   (iii) determining whether said second identity data are subject to said dispersion; and   (iv) if said second identity data are not subject to said dispersion, transmitting during said transponder reception window said data group to said transponders for simultaneously storing said data group in said memories of said transponders.     
     
     
       4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the steps of: storing said data group in each transponder of two or more groups of pluralities of transponders, said data group being identical for each plurality;   regrouping said several pluralities of transponders into different groups of transponders;   transmitting radiation to at least one of said different groups of transponders sufficient to power said transponders;   transmitting a second signal to said transponders;   receiving third identity data transmitted by said at least one group of transponders in response to said second signal during a second transmission window;   verifying that said third identity data are not subject to said dispersion;   transmitting a second data group to said at least one group of transponders; and   storing said second data group in said memories of said at least one group of transponders without disturbing said data group already stored in said memories.   
     
     
       5. An apparatus for simultaneously storing a data group in memories of a plurality of read/write transponders, said transponders being located in a container, said apparatus comprising: a transmitter that transmits radiation to said transponders sufficient to power said transponders and   a receiver that receives first identity data transmitted by said transponders during a transmission window and that verifies that said first identity data are not subject to dispersion,   wherein if said first identity data are not subject to said dispersion, said transmitter transmits said data group to said transponders to simultaneously store said data group in said memories of said transponders,   and wherein if said first identity data are subject to said dispersion, said receiver interrupts transmission of said radiation for a period of time sufficient to deactivate said transponders, said transmitter retransmits said radiation to said transponders, said receiver receives second identity data transmitted by said transponders and verifies that said second identity data are not subject to said dispersion, and said transmitter transmits said data group to said transponders to simultaneously store said data group in said memories of said transponders.   
     
     
       6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said transmitter comprises a transmission antenna in the form of a solenoid having a volume and a length sufficient to receive a container of products holding said transponders in order to simultaneously transmit said radiation to all of said transponders. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein characteristics of said antenna are adapted to maintain good tuning with said transponders in spite of variations in the electromagnetic environment. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus for simultaneously storing a data group in memories of a plurality of respond-to-order transponders, said transponders being located in a container, said apparatus comprising: a transmitter that transmits radiation to said transponders sufficient to power said transponders and that transmits a signal to said transponders and   a receiver that receives first identity data transmitted by said transponders in response to said signal during a transmission window and that verifies that said first identity data are not subject to dispersion,   wherein if said first identity data are not subject to said dispersion, said transmitter transmits said data group to said transponders to simultaneously store said data group in said memories of said transponders,   and wherein if said first identity data are subject to said dispersion, said transmitter retransmits said signal to said transponders, said receiver receives second identity data transmitted by said transponders in response to said retransmission of said signal and verifies that said second identity data are not subject to said dispersion, and said transmitter transmits said data group to said transponders to simultaneously store said data group in said memories of said transponders.   
     
     
       9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said transmitter comprises a transmission antenna in the form of solenoid having a volume and a length sufficient to receive a container of products holding said transponders in order to simultaneously transmit said signal to all of said transponders. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein characteristics of said antenna are adapted to maintain good tuning with said transponders in spite of variations in the electromagnetic environment.